Rome, December 13th – If you thought that with the assignment of the 2022 World Cup – the one played amidst a thousand controversies in Qatar – the issue of hosting major sporting events in the Middle East had been settled, think again. The recent announcement of the joint bid by Saudi Arabia and Egypt to host the 2030 and 2034 World Cups has once again brought to light the farce that surrounds these international tournaments.
The decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was met with widespread criticism and allegations of corruption. The tiny Gulf nation, with a population of just over 2 million, was chosen over more established footballing nations like the United States and Australia. The extreme heat and lack of football infrastructure in Qatar raised serious concerns about the well-being of players and fans. Despite these issues, FIFA, the governing body of international football, went ahead with the decision, citing the need to expand the game to new territories.
However, the reality of hosting a major sporting event in Qatar has been far from ideal. The construction of new stadiums and infrastructure has been marred by reports of human rights abuses and exploitation of migrant workers. The promised air-conditioned stadiums have also failed to materialize, with concerns about the safety and comfort of players and fans in the scorching desert heat. The tournament has also been plagued by low attendance and a lack of enthusiasm from the local population, further highlighting the unsuitability of Qatar as a host nation.
And now, just a few years after the controversial decision, we are faced with the prospect of two more World Cups being held in the Middle East. The joint bid by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two countries with questionable human rights records, has raised serious doubts about the integrity of the bidding process. It seems that FIFA has not learned from its past mistakes and is once again willing to overlook important factors in favor of expanding the game to new territories.
But the question remains, why is FIFA so eager to award major sporting events to countries in the Middle East? The answer lies in the immense wealth and influence of these nations. With their vast oil reserves and financial resources, they are able to offer lucrative deals and incentives to FIFA officials. This has led to a culture of corruption and backroom deals, where the interests of the game and its fans are often overlooked in favor of personal gain.
It is time for FIFA to prioritize the integrity and well-being of the game over financial gain. The World Cup is a celebration of football and should be held in countries that have a genuine passion for the sport and the ability to host it successfully. It is unfair to the players and fans to subject them to the extreme conditions and controversies that come with hosting a major tournament in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the joint bid by Saudi Arabia and Egypt for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups is just another example of the farce that surrounds these international tournaments. It is time for FIFA to take a stand and put an end to the exploitation and corruption that has plagued the game for far too long. Let us hope that the next World Cup will be held in a country that truly deserves the honor and can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved.